Well pumping system



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G. A. PATTERSQN WELL PUMPING SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 5, 1953 Hy www. N, l

pri 8, 1958 G. A. PATTERSON WELL PUMPING SYSTEM 2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed June 3, 1953 WELL PUMPING SYSTEM Glenn A. Patterson, Davenport, Iowa, assigner to Red Jacket Manufacturing C0., Davenport, iowa, a corpo ration of Iowa Application June 3, i953, Serial No. 359,391

21 Claims. (Cl. IWF-25) This invention relates to a well pumping system and has special reference to a system finding advantageous use for water wells, and designed to provide maximum sanitation und to prevent contamination from sources outside the well casing, particularly from surface sources.

The most common method of providing water under pressure to rural homes, farms and other places remote from municipal or central water systems has been by means of electrically operated pumps connected to pressure tanks located commonly in the basement of the home, the pump being controlled by a pressure switch to maintain water pressure in the tank between selected limits. Normally and preferably, the well is located at some distance from the house or other building, and it is necessary to provide electric circuits between the pressure switch at the tank and the motor of the pump. This requirement greatly reduces the value of the well and pump as a tire protection device, for the reason that a fire in the house frequently incapacitates the electrical circuits at an early stage, and therefore renders the pump useless.

In those portions of the country where the atmospheric temperatures drop below the freezing point, it is neces sary that the lateral discharge pipes extending from the well to the pressure tank, as well as the pump itself, be placed below ground, and for winter use the pump and pipes must be placed below the frost line which, in many sections, is as deep as six or seven feet. Under these circumstances a pit is commonly used to house the pump, which results in a sanitation hazard inasmuch as the pit may receive surface water and may gain access to the well in this manner. To avoid this danger, there has come into limited use underground discharge devices which are sealed to the top of the well casing and carry a casing extension sealed thereto and extending to a point well above the ground level, the underground discharge device having means for connecting lateral pipes to the interior of the well casing at a point below the frost line for delivery of the water to the pressure tank. However, these systems have offered a number of serious disadvantages resulting in only limited public acceptance.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a pumping system arranged to substantially avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a pumping system of a novel form of underground discharge device for discharging the pumped liquid from the well case to a lateral discharge pipe leading to a point of use.

lt is also an important object of the invention to provide a pitless pumping and water system wherein the distribution system outside the Well is maintained under prescribed pressure limits controlled at the well and the pump, and controls may be supplied with electrical energy from a `source indpendent of the buildings supplied from the well.

A further object of the invention is the provision in a pumping system of an underground discharge unit having ,novel means for mounting and sealing therein an adapter ICC unit for directing the flow laterally from the well casing.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an underground discharge unit wherein the fluid in the discharge conduit is maintained under pressure at all times. v

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a pumping system having an underground discharge device located in the well casing wherein the pressure of the distribution system attached thereto is regulated and controlled from the discharge device.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a pumping system having an underground discharge device located in the well casing wherein the fluid in the discharge conduit is maintained under pressure and air is periodically admitted to the discharge device with cycling of the pump.

A still further object of the invention is the provisionr of a pumping system wherein a discharge coupling is connected to the well casing below the ground level, a well casing extension projects upwardly from the coupling to a point above the ground, an adapter unit is removably located in the discharge coupling for deflecting the liquid to a discharge conduit attached to the coupling, a submersible pump is suspended from the adapter unit by a drop pipe, and a riser pipe extends upwardly from the adapter unit to a point beyond the end of the casing extension and is sealed t-o the casing extension to support the controls for the pump and to permit lifting of the controls, the adapter unit, the drop pipe and the pump as a unit from the well casing.

Other objects and advantages will appear from thel following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures l and 2 are more or less diagrammatic views showing a typical installation of the pumping .system in a pressure water system, Figure l showing the portion located at and near the well, and Fig. 2 the portion located in the basement of the house;

Fig. 3 is a view of the pump installed in a well;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section showing the canopy and the upper end of the casing extension, the pump controls and a portion of the drop pipe in elevation;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section through the discharge coupling, the upper end of the well casing and the lower end of the casing extension, showing the adapter unit in section;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical section through the well casing showing the bleeder valve assembly in section and a portion of the drop pipe in eleveation;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view showing manual control for the switch, and I Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 4 showing an alternative form of pressure control switch structure.

The numeral 8 indicates a conventional well casing extending to a suitable depth within the ground to provide` a stand of water therein adapted to be raised by means of the pumping system. Normally this casing will be formed of iron or steel pipe of at least 4 diameter in accordance with conventional practice, and frequently the casing size Will be considerably greater, commonly being 6" or 8". Attached to the upper end of the casing 8 and located at a suitable depth within the ground to avoid freezing, is a discharge coupling 9, preferably in the form of a ferrous metal casting. The coupling is attached to the casing by any suitable means to give a fluid-tight connection, and in this instance is screw-threaded thereon as indicated at 11 (Fig. 5). Other conventional methods of attaching the coupling such as welding or calking mayv be employed. Mounted in the opposite end of the coupling 9 is a casing extension 12 which is likewise secured to the coupling in a duid-tight manner, the casing extension extending upwardly to a point above the surface of the ground as indicated by the numeral 13, best shown in Figure l, so that so-called surface water is excluded from the well throughout the length ot the well casing, the coupling and the casing extension. Preferably the casing extension 1.2 is of somewhat greater diameter than the casing 8, and likewise the internal `dimensions of the coupling are preferably slightly greater than the internal dimension of the casing so as to facilitate the movement of the various parts through the casing extension and the coupling.

Figures 1 and 2 show a typical installation wherein the coupling 9 has a laterally disposed threaded boss 15 to which is attached a 4discharge pipe 16 leading to a pressure tank 17 which may conventionally be located in the basement of a house, the walls of which are indicated by the numeral 13 in Fig. 2. interposed in the discharge pipe 16 in the basement may be the usual shut-oft valve 19 and a pressure relief valve 21 of usual construction. In order to utilize the full advantages of the system, a yard hydrant 22 which may be of conventional construction,

is interposedl in the discharge pipe, preferably at some distance from the house. ln colder climates the hydrant should be of the frost-proof type, such as shown, which includes a valve 23 located in the discharge line for connecting an upright pipe 24 projecting to a point above the ground and terminating in a spout 2S for the attachment of a hose. The valve is operated Vfrom a handle 2.6 connected to a rod 2,7 extending down through the pipe 24 to the valve. The valve has a drain outlet `at 2S which is open in the closed position of the valve to allow the water in pipe Z4 to drain and thereby prevent freezing. A shut-off valve 29 is interposed in the discharge pipe 16 between the hydrant and the pressure tank also located below frost level and arranged to be operated in any convenient manner. In the illustrated embodiment this comprises a rod 31 connected to the Valve 29 and extending to a point above the ground, the upper end carrying a handle 32 for manipulation of the valve. A tube 33 may be disposed around the rod 31 to retain the earth and thus facilitate rotation of the valve, the tube being t closed at the upper end by a cap 34.

Electric power is preferably supplied to the pump from a source external to the buildings as from a separate transformer (not shown) located on an adjacent power pole, the electrical conduits 35 leading to a conventional disconnect 36 mounted at a convenient point adjacent the well as on a post 3'7 adjacent the well.

The discharge coupling 9 (as best shown in Fig. 5) is preferably in the form of a casting having a central axial opening therethrough and at least one lateral port 14 surrounded by the threaded boss for the attachment of the discharge pipe 16. The port 14 intersects an annular groove 3S on the inner surface of the coupling, and annular seat rings 39 and 41 are disposed on opposite sides of this groove. of non-ferrous metal, such as brass, stainless steel or the like, though this is not essential, and these rings may be integral with the coupling if desired. Located below the ring 41 is a conical shoulder 42 extending annulariy within the coupling and forming a bearing and supporting surface, as will presently be described.

An adapter unit indicated generally by the numeral 43 is constructed to be removably supported within the bore of the coupling, the adapter unit being of generally cylindrical cross-section and having `a pair of annular recesses 44 and 45 shaped to receive O-rings t6 and 4:7 formed of rubber or like material arranged to project from the recesses and to bear against the seat rings 39 and 41 to form annular seals above and below the groove 38 so as to seal the groove and the port 14- frorn cornmunication with the interior of the casing and the casing extension at the interface. The adapter yunit has a conical seat adapted to bear upon the conical shoulder 42 lto support the adapter unit and associated parts on the coupling. The unit has an opening or passage therethrough includ- In this instance the seat rings are formed ing an upper chamber 49 having a port 51 arrranged to register with the coupling port 14 and a transverse partition 52 dividing the opening into the upper chamber 49 and a lower chamber 53. A port 54 interconnects the upper and lower chambers and is arranged to be closed by a conventional valve disk 55 carried on a stern 56 guided in a spider 57 and spring pressed to closed position by a spring 58. The unit has a downwardly disposed threaded opening 59 for the reception of a drop pipe 61 presently to be more fully described and an opening 62 screw-threaded for the reception of an air snifter valve 63, in this instance comprising a ball 64 spring pressed to close a port 65 and adapted to move upwardly against the pressure of the spring to uncover the port 65 and admit air into the chamber 53. The adapter unit also has a vent opening 66 preferably disposed adjacent its periphery and extending completely through the unit.

The adapter unit body is preferably formed from two ferrous metal castings, including a main casting 67 and a closure casting 68 seated-in uid-tight relationship against the upper face of the lower casting and attached thereto by cap screws 69 or other suitable means. The closure casting is arranged to bear against the upper side of the spider 57 to retain the check valve S5 in assembled relation. Likewise the closure casting may be removed for the purpose of repairing or replacing the check valve. The closure casting has an opening 71 in registration with the opening 66 and is arranged at its upper end for threaded attachment to a riser pipe 72. The cover member also has `a threaded opening 73 within which is threaded a pressure responsive member or bulb 74 of a pressure switch, presently to be discussed, to support the bulb within the upper chamber 49 and for the reception of a packing sleeve 75 disposed around the' tube 76 of the pressure switch to seal the opening and prevent the egress of water therealong.

The drop pipe 61 extends down through the casing as will be apparent from Figure 3, and carries at its lower end within the water supply a submersible electric pump designated generally by the numeral 77. This pump may be any of the well known commercial varieties, which comprise a multi-stage centrifugal pump section 78 and a motor section 79 attached to the lower end thereof for driving the rotors of the pump, as is well known in the art. The water in this instance enters the pump through a screen 81 disposed at a point intermediate the motor section and the pump section and is delivered up through the drop pipe 61, a foot valve S0 being commonly disposed at the outlet of the pump. interposed in the drop pipe 61 a short distance below the coupling 9 (a suitable distance being approximately live feet) is a bleeder valve 82 (Fig. 6) which consists essentially of a pipe T 83 having a plug 84 threaded into the right angles connection, the plug having a chamber 85 in which a ball 86 is loosely disposed, the ball being retained by a retainer pin 87. The head of the plug S4 has a port and seat 88 against which the ball seats in response to pressure within the drop pipe to seal the port, the seat at 88 being deformed slightly permitting the ball to roll away from the seat `upon reduction in pressure in the drop pipe to allow the water thereabove to bleed out through the port 83 and the channel 89 communicating with the port.

The riser pipe '72- and the pressure switch tube 76 extend upwardly from the adapter unit through the casing extension 12 to a point beyond the upper end of the casing extension. Disposed in the upper end of :the casing extension is a conventional split type well seal 91 (Fig. 4), in this instance comprising a lower metal plate 92 disposed within the casing extension, an intermediate plate 93 of compressilble material such as rubber, and an upper plate 94 flanged to sealt against the end of the casing extension. The rise/r 72 and tube 76 pass snugly through openings in the rubber plate 93, and the latter is expanded against the inside of the casing extension and against the outer sides of Ithe tube and riser pipe by assassin:

tightening' of spaced cap screws 95 to seal the upper end of the casing extension. Attached lto the upper end of the riser pipe 72 is a plate 96 having a threaded llange 97 screwed onto the upper end of the riser and carried on lthe face of this plate is the conventional pressure operated contact mechanism of a pressure switch 98 to which the tube 76 is attached. Also supported on the plate is a motor control box 99 containing the usual electrical controls for the pump motor 79. The controls in the control box 99 are connected to the pump by means of conventional wiring indicated at 101, passing downwardly fthfrough the riser pipe 72, the openings 71 and 66 in the adapter unit, and down through the well casing Ito the motor 79. Power is supplied to the control box and to the pump by power' leads 102 passing through underground conduit 103 or other suitable underground wiring to the disconnect 36 or to the basement of a farm home if desired, though the 4former is preferable for most installations.

Attached to the well seal plate 94, as for example by the screws 95, is a canopy or hood housing the pressure switch 98 and the control box 99. This may advantageously comprise a sheet metal base 104 secured to the Well seal and carrying cylindrical side walls 105 closed at their upper ends by an arcuate cover 106, though any suitable type of enclosure may be provided for protecting the control members from the elements.

Housed in the canopy is a control switch 107 of conventional form having a contact Iarrangement for disconnecting power from the leads 102 to the control box in one position of the switch knob 108 (see Fig. 7), for connecting the pressure switch 98 into the circuit of the motor in an automatic position of the knob to place the motor under the control of the pressure switch and for connecting the motor d-irectly to the source of power in the on position of the knob for manual control of the motor and pump.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative construction wherein the pressure responsive element or bulb of the pressure control switch is located in close association with the contact mechanism in the housing of the pressure switch 98. In this instance a huid-tight tube 111 is threaded into the opening 73 of the adapter, the opposite end of the tube being connected in pressure responsive relationship with the usual pressure responsive element of the pressure switch 98. It will be observed that upon initial starting of the system the chamber 49 and tube 111 will be lled with air and as the pump delivers liquid to chamber 49 to fill the same, air will be trapped in the tube 111, and because of its lower density will be unable to leave the tube. This column of air transmits pressure of chamber 49 to the pressure responsive element of pressure switch 98 for actuation of the same in response to changes in pressure on the liquid in chamber 49. Furthermore, each time the pump starts, air is pumped through chamber 49 and any loss in tube 111 will be replaced. This arrangement has an advantage in that thev column of air in the tube, because of its compressibility, acts to absorb pressure surges in the liquid which in conventional constructions sometimes causes the switch contacts to chatter.

With the pumping system arranged as shown and the discharge pipe 16 connected to a point of use, as for. example to the pressure tank 17, power may be supplied to the motor 79 from the leads 102 and disconnect 36, the power flowing through the control in box 99 and downward to the pump through the conductors 101. Since at this point atmospheric pressure exists in the chamber 49, the pressure control switch is subject only to yatmospheric pressure and the contacts in the pressure switch 98 will be closed when the switch is adjusted to the usual pressure range. The motor operates to drive the pump 78 drawing water from the well through the screen 81 and delivering it to the drop pipe 61 from which it flows into the chamber 53, opening the valve 55 against the pressure of the spring 58 from whence the water' lls the chamber 49, ows out through the ports 51 and 14 into the delivery pipe 16, and thence to the pressure tank or other point of use. The water in the drop pipe 61 owing Ithrough port 88 forces the ball 86 of the bleeder valve to closed position and the ball 64 of the snifter valve 63 remains seated. As the pump continues to operate, pressure is built up in the pressure tank and throughout the -system until the pressure is reached at which the pressure switch is set to open. When this pressure is reached, the pressure switch opens the circuit to the motor allowing the motor to stop, whereupon the check valve 55 moves to closed position under the action of the spring to maintain the fluid in the chamber 49, the discharge pipe 16 and the pressure tankv at the elevated point for which the pressure switch is set until reduced by draw-olf from the system. When the pump stops and the check valve 55 and foot valve 80 close, the ball 86 tends to roll away from the port 88 to allow a small egress of water through this port from which it returns to the well casing and the Well, the snifter valve 63 `simultaneously opening to allow air to enter the cham- 'ber 53. This continues until the Water level in the drop pipe falls to the level of the bleeder valve S2, at which time the chamber 53 and that portion of the drop pipe above the bleeder pipe is lled with air which has been drawn in from the well casing at a point below the adapter unit. Atmospheric air enters the well casing through the lopenings 66 and 71 `and the riser pipe 72 which also carries the electrical conduits. As water is drawn from the system, the pressure in the pressure tank, the discharge conduit 16 `and the chamber 49 falls until :the lower set limit of the pressure switch 98 is reached, at which point the pressure switch acts to close the circuit to the motor. When the motor restarts, the air held between the bleeder valve 82 and the check valve 55 is forced upward ahead of the water through the check valve into the discharge pipe 16 and thence to the pressure tank in order to maintain the usual air volume employed in such tanks. The cycle is then repeated, water flowing to the pressure tankuntil the pre-set pressure of the pressure switch is reached, whereupon the motor is again deenergized.

Numerous and important advantages result from the described construction. It will be observed that the pump, motor and controls are all centrally located directly at the well, and that it is wholly unnecessary lfor any of the wiring to pass to or from the house or other building housing the pressure tank. The pressure switch, the pump and the motor together with the motor controls, are connected in a unitary mechanism so that they may be withdrawn from the well as a unit. In other words, by loosening the screws and removing the canopy, a block and tackle or other lifting mechanism may be attached to the riser 72, whereupon the adapter unit 43, the drop pipe 6l, the pump and motor, may be withdrawn from the casing. The construction avoids a common disadvantage of prior automatic pumping systems which usually were incapacitated as a result of tire in the home because of the necessity of passing the wiring, particularly the electrical connections between the pressure switch and the pump, through the house. In this construction the power can 'be brought directly from an external power line to the pump without the necessity of any portion of the circuit passing to the house or other building.

Another important advantage of the present system lies in the fact that the water in the underground delivery pipe 16 and associated underground piping is maintained at all times under an elevated pressure in excess of that surrounding the pipes so that in the event leakage develops, the Flow of water is outward, and contaminated surface liquid cannot enter the system. Furthermore, when such leakage does occur, it is reflected by the pressure switch which brings about cycling of the pump in the absence of water draw, thereby indicating the condi;

tion. It will also be noted that the weight of the entire assembly within the casing including the pump, the adapter and' the controls, is carried on the shoulder 42A of the coupling and the port is sealed by the relatively narrow O'rings, thereby reducing the size of the coupling and adapter to a minimum. The adapter is so constructed as to enable air to be charged into the pressure tank in a novel manner.

I claim:

l. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing and having a lateral discharge outlet, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening andthe discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering uid under pressure upwardly through a flow passage comprising the drop pipe, the sealed passage and the discharge outlet, a check valve in the liow passage between the pump and the discharge outlet positioned to open for tlow from the pump to the discharge outlet and to close to prevent return flow, a bleeder valve in the ow passage between the pump and the cheek valve arranged to close in response to the ow of liquid upwardly in the ilow passage and open in the absence of said flow to permit liquid in the flow passage between the check valve and the bleeder va-lve to drain through the bleeder valve, an air snifter valve communieating with the flow passage to admit air thereto between the check valve and the `bleeder valve, and a foot valve to prevent return ow through the drop pipe below the bleeder valve.

2. In a pressure water system of the type having a pneumatic pressure tank, a well pumping system comprising a coupling adapted for :duid-tight connection to the top of a well casing and having a laterall discharge outlet connected to the pressure tank, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to sponsive to the pressure in said passage on the outlet side of the check valve arranged to start and stop the pump at preset lower and upper pressures to maintain the pressure on the outlet side of said passage between preselected limits, a bleeder valve disposed in the ow passage between the check valve and the pump arranged to close in response to tiow of uid upwardly and open in the absence of said flow to permit liquid in the flow passage between the bleeder valve and the check valve to drain through the bleeder valve, and an air snifter valve disposed adjacent the check valve to admit air from the casing into the flow passage between the check valve and the bleeder valve as liquid drains through the bleeder valve for delivery through the check valve and discharge outlet to the pressure tank upon the subsequent operation of the pump.

3. A well pumping system comprising a casing coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing below the surface of the ground having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension sealed to the coupling and extending upwardly beyond the surface ofthe ground, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through a flow passage comprising the drop pipe, the' sealed passage and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in said flow passage positioned to open for the iiow of uid to thev discharge outlet and to close to prevent return How, a pressure switch having a switch portion located beyond the upper end of the casing extension and a pressure tube axially of the casing extension and connecting the switch portion to said flow passage at a point between the check valve and the discharge outlet, a riser secured to and extending upwardly from the adapter through the casing extension to a point thereabove for withdrawing the adapter, drop pipe and pressure switch from the well and a seal adjacent the upper end of the cas ing extension, the riser and pressure switch tube passing through the seal in liquid-tight relation thereto.

4. A well pumping. system comprising a casing coupling adapted for duid-tight connection to the top of a well casing below the surface of the ground having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension sealed to the coupling and extending upwardly beyond the surface of the ground, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering Huid under pressure upwardly through the drop pipe, a check valve disposed in said passage positioned to open for the iiow of fluid from the drop pipe to the discharge outlet and close to prevent return ow, a pressure switch having a pressure responsive portion located at the adapter and exposed to the pressure of the 'uid in the adapter opening between the check valve and the discharge outlet, a switch portion located beyond the upper end of the case ing extension and a pressure tube containing a non-freezing fluid interconnecting said portions, a riser secured 'to and extending upwardly fromk the adapter through the casing extension to a point thereabove for withdrawing the adapter, drop pipe and pressure switch from the well and a seal adjacent the upper end of the casing extension, the riser and pressure switch tube passing through the in liquid-tight relation thereto.

5. The combination in awell pumping system of a corn pling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a wel casing below the surface of the ground having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension sealed to the coupling and extending upwardly beyond the surface of the ground in coaxial relation with the casing, a removable edt ,rter unit disposed in said coupling having a downwardty tacing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the lateral discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing, a pump and an electric motor -for driving the same secured to the lower end of the drop pipe and immersed in the liquid of the well for delivering fluid under pressure wardly through a ow passage comprising the drop the sealed adapter passage and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in said flow passage positioned to open for the ow of uid to the discharge outlet and close to prevent return flow, the adapter having a hole extending therethrough connecting the interior ot' the weil casing with the interior of the casing extension, a riser pipe secured to the adapter in communication with said hote extending upwardly through the casing extension to a point thereabove, a seal disposed between the casing extension and the riser pipe adjacent the upper end of thc casing extension, electrical control mechanism for the pump supported on the upper end of the riser pipe, and electrical conductors extending downwardly from the en trol mechanism through the riser pipe, the hole in the adapter and the well casing tothe motor.

6. The combination of claim 5 including a pressure switch having a switch portion disposed at the upper end of said riser pipe and a pressure tube interconnecting said switch portion and the ow passage at a point vbetween the check valve and the discharge outlet, said tube extending through the casing extension and the seal, the pressure switch being electrically connected to the control mechanism to control the pump in response to pressure changes at the discharge outlet.

7. The combination of claim 6 including a housing supported on the upper end of the casing extension enclosing the electrical control mechanism and the switch portion of the pressure switch.

S. The combination in a pitless underground discharge unit of a casing coupling comprising a ferrous metal casting having a central chamber, a lateral discharge outlet therefrom and spaced upper and lower connecting means for attachment to a well casing extension and a well casing, respectively, non-ferrous metal seat rings mounted annularly of the chamber on opposite sides of the outlet, an adapter slidably received within the chamber to span the discharge outlet, the adapter having an opening on the side thereof adjacent the lower connecting means and a passage connecting the opening with the discharge outlet, and spaced O-rings on the perimeter of the adapter cooperable with the spaced seat rings to seal the space between the adapter and seat rings against the passage of liquid and slidable over the seat rings for insertion and removal of the adapter from the coupling.

9. The combination in a pitless underground discharge unit of a casing coupling having a central chamber, a lateral discharge outlet therefrom and spaced upper and lower connecting means for attachment to a well casing extension and a well casing respectively, seats disposed annularly of the chamber on opposite sides of the outlet, an adapter slidably received within the chamber to span the discharge outlet, the adapter having an opening on the side thereof adjacent the lower connecting means and a passage connecting the opening with the discharge outlet, a check valve in said passage positioned to open in a direction to permit flow from the opening toward the discharge outlet and prevent return flow, spaced sealing means on the perimeter of the adapter cooperable with the spaced seats to seal the space between the adapter and the seats against the passage of liquid and slidable over the seats for insertion and removal of the adapter from the cou-- pling, said adapter including a two-piece body, one piece thereof having the aforesaid passage and a chamber for supporting said check valve, the other portion of the body being secured to the rst portion to cover the valve chamber and having means mounted thereon for the attachment of a riser operable from a remote point for removing the adapter from the coupling.

10. The combination in a pitless underground discharge unit of a casing coupling having a lateral discharge outlet and spaced upper and lower connecting means for attachment to a well casing extension and a well casing respectively, an adapter unit comprising an annular body having spaced upper and lower seals engageable with said coupling to seal the interface therebetween above and below said discharge outlet, said body having a downwardly facing opening adapted for communication with a drop pipe and a chamber therein communicating with said opening, a valve seat around said opening, a valve in said chamber cooperable with said seat to open and permit ow from the opening toward the chamber and prevent return ow, and a passage in said body communicating said chamber with the outside of said body betwee said upper and lower seals.

ll, The combination of a pitless underground discharge unit of a casing coupling having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension secured to the coupling and extending upwardly therefrom, a well casing secured to said coupling and extending downwardly therefrom, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said adapter in communication with said openifi ing, a pump for delivering uid under pressure upwardly through a ow passage comprising the drop pipe, the sealed adapter passage and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in the flow passage positioned to open for the flow of huid to the discharge outlet and close to prevent return ilow, a pressure switch for controlling operation of said pump and including a pressure responsive actuator mounted adjacent the upper end of the casing extension, a pressure tube communicating at one end with said actuator and having an open lower end communicating with said adapter passage between said check valve and said outlet, a foot valve, a bleeder valve disposed in the drop pipe arranged to close in response to the flow of duid upwardly in the drop pipe and open in the absence of said flow to permit liquid in the drop pipe betweenthe bleeder valve and the check valve to drain into the casing, and a normally closed air snifter valve for introducing air into the drop pipe below the check valve as the liquid drains through the bleeder valve whereby a charge of air under pressure is caused to flow through said passage each time the pump is started.

l2. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing and having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension connected to said coupling and extending upwardly therefrom, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a lateral discharge opening, said adapter unit including a passage connecting the downwardly facing opening and the discharge opening, means interposed between the adapter unit and said coupling forming a seal therebetween above 'and below said discharge opening, a drop pipe connected'to said downwardly facing opening and extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through a l'low passage comprising the drop pipe, the passage and the lateral discharge opening in the adapter unit, and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in the passage in the adapter unit between the downwardly facing opening and the discharge opening in the adapter unit positioned to open for ilow from the pump to the dischargeoutlet and to close to prevent return ow, and a pressure switch connected to the flow passage between the check Valve and the discharge opening in the ladapter unit and subject to the pressure therebetween to control operation of the pump.

13. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing and having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension connected to saidcoupling and extending upwardly therefrom, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a lateral discharge opening, said adapter unit including a passage connecting the downwardly facing opening and the discharge opening, means interposed between the adapter unit and said coupling forming a seal therebetween above and below .said discharge opening, a drop pipe connected to said downwardly facing opening and extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through a flow passage comprising the drop pipe, the passage and the lateral discharge opening in the adapter unit, and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in the passage in the adapter unit between the downwardly facing opening and the discharge opening in the adapter unit positioned to open for ow from the pump to the discharge outlet and to close to prevent return flow, and a pressure switch connected to the oW passage between the check valve and the discharge opening in the adapter unit and subject to the pressure therebetween to control operation of the pump, the pressure control switch comprising a switch portion located adjacent the upper end of the casing extension, and a pressure tube containing a nonfreczing fluid connecting said switch portion with said :dow passage.

14. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of asaassr/ a well casing and having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension connected to said coupling and extending upwardly therefrom, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a lateral discharge opening, said adapter unit including a passage connecting the downwardly facing opening and the discharge opening, means interposed between the adapter unit and said coupling forming a seal therebetween above and below said discharge opening, a drop pipe connected to said downwardly facing opening and extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through a flow passage comprising the drop pipe, the passage and the lateral discharge opening in the adapter unit, and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in the flow passage between the pump and the discharge opening in the adapter unit positioned to open for flow from the pump to the discharge outlet and to close to prevent return flow, and a pressure switch connected to the flow passage between the check valve and the discharge opening in the adapter unit and subject to the pressure therebetween to control operation of the pump, the pressure control switch comprising a switch portion located adjacent the upper end of the casing extension, an element located at said ow passage movable in response to changes in pressure in the dow passage, and a pressure tube interconnecting the switch portion and the movable element containing a non-freezing liquid for transmitting movement of the element to the switch portion.

15. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing and having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension connected to said coupling and extending upwardly therefrom, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a lateral discharge opening, said adapter unit including a passage connecting the downwardly facing opening and the discharge opening, means interposed between the adapter unit and said coupling forming a seal therebetween above and below said discharge opening, a drop pipe connected to said downwardly facing opening and extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through a ow passage comprising the drop pipe, the passage and the lateral discharge opening in the adapter unit, and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in the ow passage between the pump and the discharge opening in the adapter unit positioned to open for flow from the pump to the discharge outlet and to close to prevent return flow, and a pressure switch connected to the ow passage between the check valve and the discharge opening in the adapter unit and subject to the pressure therebetween to control operation of the pump, the pressure control switch comprising a switch portion located adjacent the upper end of the casing extension, and a tube connected to the switch portion and opening into the ow passage positioned to trap air therein from the flow passage and transmit the pressure of the liquid in the ow passage to the switch portion.

16. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing and having a lateral discharge outlet, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing, a pump for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through the ow passage comprising the drop pipe, the sealed passage and the discharge outlet, a check valve located in the passage in the adapter unit positioned to open for ow from the pump to the discharge outlet and to close to prevent return flow, a bleeder valve in the flow passage between the pump and the check valve arranger to close in response to the ow of liquid upwardly in the ow passage and open in the absence of said flow to permit liquid in the ow passage between the check valve and the bleeder valve to drain through the bleeder valve, an air snifter valve secured to the lower side of the adapter unit in direct cornmunication with the passage in the adapter unit intermediate the check valve and the ldownwardly facing opening, to admit air thereto between the check valve and the bleeder valve, and a foot valve to prevent return ow through the drop pipe below the bleeder valve.

17. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for huid-tight connection to the top of a well casing below the surface of the ground having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension sealed to the coupling and extending upwardly beyond the surface of the ground in coaxial relation with the casing, a removable adapter unit disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the lateral discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing, a pump and an electric motor for driving the sanne secured to the lower end of the drop pipe and immersed in the liquid of the well for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through a flow passage comprising the drop pipe, the sealed adapter passage and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in said ow passage positioned to open for the ow of Huid to the discharge outlet and close to prevent return flow, the adapter having a hole extending therethrough connecting the interior of the well casing with the interior of the cas-ing extension, a riser pipe secured to the adapter in communication with said hole and extending upwardly through the casing extension to a point thereabove, a seal disposed between the casing extension and the riser pipe adjacent the upper end of the casing extension, electrical control mechanism for the pump supported on the upper end of the riser pipe, electrical conductors extending downwardly from the control mechanism through the riser pipe, the hole in the adapter and the well easing to the motor, a pressure switch having a switch portion disposed at the upper end of said riser pipe and a pressure tube interconnecting said switch portion and the flow passage at a point between the check valve and the discharge outlet, said tube extending through the casing extension and the seal, the pressure switch being electrically connected to the control mechanism to control the pump in response to pressure changes at the discharge outlet, a foot valve, a bleeder valve disposed in the drop pipe between the check valve and the pump arranged to close in response to ow of fluid upwardly in the drop pipe and open in the absence of said ilow to permit liquid in the drop pipe between the bleeder valve and the check valve to drain into the casing, and a normally closed air snifter valve `disposed adjacent the check valve to admit air from the casing into the drop pipe as liquid drains from the bleeder valve.

18. The combination in a well pumping system of a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top` of a well casing below the surface of the ground having a lateral discharge outlet, a casing extension sealed to the coupling and extending upwardly beyond the surface of the ground in coaxial relation with the casing, a removable adapter unit disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the lateral discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening and extending downwardly in the casing, a pump and an electric motor for driving the same secured to the lower end of the drop pipe and immersed in the liquid of the well for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly through a ilow passage comprising the drop plate, the sealed adapter passage and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in said ow passage positioned to open for the ow of fluid to the discharge outlet and close to prevent return flow, the adapter having a hole extending therethrough connecting the interior of the well casing with the interior of the casing extension, a riser pipe secured to the adapter in communicaticn with said hole extending upwardly through the casing extension to a point thereabove, a seal disposed between the casing extension and the riser pipe adjacent the upper end of the casing eX- tension, electrical control mechanism for the pump supported on the upper end of the riser pipe, electrical conductors extending downwardly from the control mechanism through the riser pipe, the hole in the adapter and the weil casing to the motor, a foot valve, a bleeder valve disposed in the drop pipe arranged to close in response to the iiow of fluid upwardly in the drop pipe and open in the absence of said ow to permit liquid in the drop pipe between the bleeder valve and 'the check valve to drain into the casing, and a normally closed air snifter valve disposed adjacent the check valve to admit air from the casing into the drop pipe as the liquid drains through the bleeder valve.

19. in a water pressure system of the type having a well and a pressure storage tank located remote from the well, a well pumping system comprising a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing below the surface of the ground and having a lateral discharge outlet connected to the pressure tank, a casing extension sealed to the coupling and extending upwardly beyond the surface of the ground in coaxial relation to the casing, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing for delivery of liquid from the well, a motor driven pump for delivering fluid under pressure upwardly -through a flow passage defined by the drop pipe, the sealed passage and the discharge outlet to the pressure tank, a check valve in said ow passage positioned to open during operation of the pump and close when the pump is stopped to prevent return flow past the check valve, a separate electric circuit connecting said pump to a commercial power line, a pressure switch including a pressure responsive element connected to the ow passage between the check valve and the discharge outlet and a switch element connected in said circuit to start and stop the pump at preset lower and upper pressures in the iiow passage at the outlet side of the check valve, a valved outlet connected with the discharge outlet for receiving liquid from the well independently of .the pressure tank, and an underground valve for closing communication between the discharge outlet and the pressure tank to divert the entire flow from the discharge outlet to the valved outlet.

20. In a water pressure system of the type having a well and a pressure storage tank located remote from the well, a well pumping system comprising a coupling adapted for fluid-tight connection to the top of a well casing below the surface of the ground and having Ia lateral discharge outlet connected to the pressure tank, a casing extension sealed to the coupling and extending upwardly beyond the surface of the ground in coaxial relation to the casing, an adapter unit removably disposed in said coupling having a downwardly facing opening and a sealed passage connecting the opening and the discharge outlet, a drop pipe connected to said opening extending downwardly in the casing for delivery of liquid from the well, a motor driven pump for delivering uid under pressure upwardly through a ow passage defined by the drop pipe, the sealed passage and the discharge outlet to the pressure tank, a check valve in said ow passage positioned to open during operation of the pump and close when the pump is stopped to prevent return tlow past the check valve, a separate electric circuit connecting said pump to a commercial power line, a pressure switch including a pressure responsive element connected to the llow passage between the check valve and the discharge outlet and a switch element connected in said circuit to start and stop the pump at preset lower and upper pressures in the flow passage at the outlet side of the check vaive, a valved outlet connected with the discharge outlet for receiving liquid from the well independently of the pressure tank, an underground valve for closing communication between the discharge outlet and the pressure tank to divert the entire flow from the discharge outlet to the valved outlet, a manual switch in said circuit operable in one position to connect said electric motor directly into said circuit for continuous operation in the delivery of water to the valved outlet and in another position to connect the circuit to the motor through said pressure switch for pressurized control of the motor in the deiivery of water to the storage tank.

21. A wall pumping system comprising a well casing, a pitless underground discharge housing having a fluid tight connection to the top of the well casing below the surface of the ground and extending upwardly therefrom to a point above the surface of the ground, said housing having a lateral discharge outlet below the surface of the ground, an adapter unit removably disposed in said housing and having a downwardly facing opening and a discharge opening, a passage in said adapter unit communicating said downwardly facing opening with said discharge opening, means on said adapter unit for engaging said housing and sealing the interface therebetween with said discharge opening in the adapter unit communicating with the discharge outlet in said housing, a drop pipe connected to said downwardly facing opening and extending downwardly therefrom in the well casing, a pump for delivering uid under pressure upwardly through a ow passage comprising the drop pipe, the passage in the adapter unit and the discharge outlet, a check valve disposed in said fluid passage between the pump and the discharge outlet, a seal at the top of said underground discharge housing, a pressure switch including a switch portion mounted externally of said housing and a pressure tube extending through the seal on the top of the housing and communicating with the ow passage between the check valve and the discharge outlet and subject to the pressure therebetween to control operation of the pump, a bleeder valve in the iiow passage between the pump and the check valve arranged to close in response to the flow of liquid upwardly in the ow passage and open in the absence of ow to permit liquid in the ow passage between the check Valve and the bleeder valve to drain through the bleeder valve, an air snifter valve communicating with the ow passage between the check valve and the bleeder valve to admit air thereto, and ya foot valve to prevent return flow through the drop pipe below the bleeder valve.

References Cited in the lle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,625,892 Hollander May 26, 1927 1,724,056 Warner Aug. 13, 1929 2,368,131 French Ian. 30, 1945 2,430,775 Marchese Nov. ll, 1947 2,488,506 Bernhardt Nov. l5, 1949 2,497,179 Meisner Feb. 14, 1950 2,577,559 Armstrong Dec. 4, 1951 

